Lightweight. Slick interface. Unobtrusive. Signal flare for locating device with low battery life. 2GB of cloud backup. Consistently high-performing anti-malware detection, according to third party tests.

Cons
No alerts if SIM card is changed. Safe Browser only works with stock Android browser.

Bottom Line

Lookout continues to trail blaze the mobile security space with a new Signal Flare feature, that captures your device's location right before it runs out of battery. PCMag's Editors' Choice for Android security continues to balance the most thoughtful set of features with the least user interference.

A lot of what you read about Android security is pure FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt), a common marketing tactic used to scare people into buying into a certain product. The truth is, Android devices are pretty safe as long as you stick to legitimate app markets (Google Play and Amazon App Store) and aren't the president of Iran or some other high-profile target of malicious attackers to begin with. But what if you live in a country that doesn't allow access to these stores? What if you want apps that aren't available in the official stores? What about other mobile worries—losing your phone, privacy-invading apps, attacks through the browser? Lookout Mobile Security Premium, now in its third iteration, combines comprehensive, nonalarmist security with a polished user experience and is currently our only Editors' Choice for Android security suites.

Lookout comes in free or Premium flavors. The free, ad-supported subscription gives you anti-malware protection, backup of contacts, and remote locate and scream. If you simply don’t want to pay for security, Lookout's free version provides sufficient protection against current mobile malware threats.

For $2.99/month, or $29.99 annually, Lookout Premium adds four more features: 2GB of cloud storage to backup your photos and call history, a Safe Browser that blocks malicious links it detects in the stock browser, a privacy advisor for your apps, and remote lock and wipe. If you really can't find your device, whether it was lost or stolen, the Premium remote wipe and lock features are far more important to have than remote locate and scream.

loading...

Revamped InterfaceVersion 3.0 marks a major change to Lookout's interface. Instead of four big buttons, your start screen now displays a dashboard with a live activity feed, and shortcuts to features underneath. The activity feed tells you things like when Lookout last scanned your device for malware, or whether that last app you downloaded was safe. I prefer this to what other antivirus products do, which is to send you constant push notifications every time it does something on your device.

Lookout also revamped its Web portal (www.lookout.com) from which you can manage all your remote controls, namely remote wipe/lock, backup/restore, remote locate/scream. Aesthetically the website looks the same, but now it's powered by HTML5 and therefore feels a lot faster. It isn't a revolutionary change that affects the app at all, but it does enhance the overall user experience a bit.

Recover a Lost or Stolen DeviceThese days every major Android security suite offers the same basket of recovery options, typically executed through a Web-based admin portal or text message-based command. Like F-Secure Mobile Security ($39.99/year or $59.99/2 years), Bitdefender Mobile Security ($9.99/year), and McAfee Mobile Security ($29.99/year), Lookout lets you remotely lock, wipe, scream, or geolocate your device. I won't go into detail for each feature, but I tried every one and they all performed smoothly. One thing Lookout does not do is alert you when the SIM card has been removed—a glaring omission since this is usually the first thing a thief does. McAfee and ESET Mobile Security($9.99/year) do, however.

Lookout also backs up contact data on your phone, which you can restore on a new device. Premium users get a generous 2 GB to backup call history and photos. If you want a more comprehensive backup app, MyBackup (Free) backs up your apps, app settings, photos, contacts, browser bookmarks, music playlists, text and MMS messages, and system settings.

New Signal Flare FeatureA basic requirement for executing any remote locate command mentioned above is that the device has to be turned on. If your battery's dead, well, you're out of luck.

Lookout 3.0 introduces a novel feature that increases the chance of finding your device—Signal Flare. This automatically records your phone's location right before its battery dies out. It's not foolproof. For instance if your phone's been stolen, chances are it's not in the same place it was right before it ran out of juice. Or if the phone wasn't connected, then the feature doesn't work at all. Make sure you opt-in.

Sara Yin is a junior analyst in the Software, Internet, and Networking group at PCmag.com, pouring most of her energy into app testing and security matters at Security Watch with Neil Rubenking. She lies awake...

Automatic Renewal Program: Your subscription will continue without interruption for as long as you wish, unless
you instruct us otherwise. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the term unless you authorize
cancellation. Each year, you'll receive a notice and you authorize that your credit/debit card will be charged the
annual subscription rate(s). You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on all
unsent issues. If your credit/debit card or other billing method can not be charged, we will bill you directly instead. Contact Customer Service